On 6 October 2014, Valdis Dombrovskis, Vice-President designate of the EC in charge of the Euro and Social Dialogue, appeared before the Committees on Economic and Monetary Affairs, and on Employment and Social Affairs of the European Parliament for a hearing to test his general competences, European commitment and specific expertise related to his portfolio. Valdis Dombrovskis had the opportunity to make an opening statement, he took part to a question and answer session and made a closing statement. Although the Parliament can only vote on the Commission as a whole, a negative assessment of one of the candidates has in the past already led to the candidacy being withdrawn and replaced. From 2009 to 2014, Valdis Dombrovskis was Prime Minister in his country, Latvia.

Brussels

Committee on Employment and Social Affairs

statement

Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs

hearing

DOMBROVSKIS, Valdis (EPP, LV, EC)

2014 Commissioners' hearings (T)

hearing of Valdis DOMBROVSKIS 2014 (T)

Hearing of Valdis DROMBROVSKIS (Latvia), Vice-President designate for Euro and Social Dialogue: extracts from the statement by Valdis DOMBROVSKIS

Arrival of Valdis DOMBROVSKIS, Vice-President designate for Euro and Social Dialogue, greeting to members of the ECON and EMPL.

SOUNDBITE (Latvian), Valdis DOMBROVSKIS, Vice-President designate for Euro and Social Dialogue, "The areas of responsibility entrusted to me are the Euro and Social Dialogue. I see these as the duties involved in these policy areas: - promoting growth in the eurozone and across the EU and creating new jobs, - ensuring the stability of the euro, - coordinating economic and social policies so that the fruits of economic growth can be felt by all the inhabitants of Europe and - a closer involvement of the social partners in the taking of decisions".

SOUNDBITE (English), Valdis DOMBROVSKIS, Vice-President designate for Euro and Social Dialogue, "I previously have served as the Member of the European Parliament, Member of Parliament in Latvia, Minister of Finance of Latvia and chief economist at the Bank of Latvia. I believe this long-standing experience provides me with detailed knowledge of the way the EU functions. It gives me the necessary experience to contribute to social, economic, monetary policy on an equal footing. To tackle the challenges facing the Economic and Monetary Union and preserve the stability of euro."

SOUNDBITE (English), Valdis DOMBROVSKIS, Vice-President designate for Euro and Social Dialogue, "The very perspective for countries like Latvia to join the EU has underpinned the democratic, economic and social transformation. This is why I firmly believe in the power of the European idea. I believe in the core European values of democracy, social market economy and equal opportunity for all."

SOUNDBITE (English), Valdis DOMBROVSKIS, Vice-President designate for Euro and Social Dialogue, "If approved by the European Parliament, I will work hard to ensure that the objectives of stability of the single currency and macroeconomic governance are coherent with social fairness and inclusion."

SOUNDBITE (English), Valdis DOMBROVSKIS, Vice-President designate for Euro and Social Dialogue, "The impact of the crisis continues to weigh on our society. Unemployment in the euro area is still above 11%. The youth unemployment rate is above 20%, and nearly 16% of Europeans of age between 15 and 29 are neither employed, nor in education or training. Europe cannot afford to lose the generation."

SOUNDBITE (English), Valdis DOMBROVSKIS, Vice-President designate for Euro and Social Dialogue, "The banking union is underway. It is an essential pre-condition for the euro area to resume healthy growth. The weak banks' balances prevent them from resuming lending. A rigorous asset-quality review and stress tests will be vital to unlock bank lending to the real economy."

SOUNDBITE (English), Valdis DOMBROVSKIS, Vice-President designate for Euro and Social Dialogue, "The euro area should remain open for the new members, subject to the fulfilment of the Maastricht criteria in a sustainable way. In this context, I welcomeLithuaniajoining the euro area in 2015. We need to build on the Community method and carefully evaluate the various options taking into account the scope under the existing Treaties and the prospects for an eventual Treaty change."

SOUNDBITE (English), Valdis DOMBROVSKIS, Vice-President designate for Euro and Social Dialogue, "I fully prescribe to the commitment of President-elect that "in the future, any support and reform programme goes not only through a fiscal sustainability assessment; but through a social impact assessment as well." Although the financial assistance programmes avoided disorderly defaults, they created severe social and economic consequences. I do hope that none of our Member States will have to resort to such an instrument again. While the "Troika" format was set up under pressure to help prevent a catastrophe, it should be gradually replaced with a more democratically legitimate and accountable structure."

SOUNDBITE (English), Valdis DOMBROVSKIS, Vice-President designate for Euro and Social Dialogue, "If approved by this House, my position will be Vice-President for the Euro and Social Dialogue. They both are equally important. Both sides of the euro coin should be developed equally - financial and social."

SOUNDBITE (English), Valdis DOMBROVSKIS, Vice-President designate for Euro and Social Dialogue, "We need a real exchange with social partners focused on substance. Social dialogue is absolutely essential to make the reforms possible, sustainable and effective."

SOUNDBITE (English), Valdis DOMBROVSKIS, Vice-President designate for Euro and Social Dialogue, "I hope to count on your support in taking forward the economic and social policy agenda of the European Union. I thank you for your attention!" Widen shot and applause from MEPs.